Python Question

[Hawk]

Finally caved - bought a 6" Python in stainless. My first.

The weird part: I found the latch difficult to operate unless the cylinder was simultaneously "pushed" into the closed position. Also, when closing the cylinder, it wouldn't re-latch reliably unless I kept the cylinder under pressure and/or pushed forward on the latch - then it'd go into position with an audible "click" like it was being forced into alignment.

The weird part II: I noticed a slotted head screw on the right of the frame, just under and about the midpoint of the cylinder - I tightened it a little to see if it was somehow part of the problem. The problem becomes worse - opening and closing the cylinder is real work.

Hmmm. I back the screw off past where it started out being to where it's actually kinda loose. The cylinder now opens and closes smoothly and the firearm is beginning to offer hints of what everybody was raving about.

I downloaded a Colt pdf manual and found nothing of this mysterious "screw of cylinder latch binding". Is this normal? Am I supposed to tote this thing with a screw loose? (one more than my usual complement of loose screws, that is)

It locks up really tight "as is". Is the mystery screw something intended to take up wear? In order for everything to be "smooth" the screw needs to not be even past "fingernail" tight and I'm a little concerned the thing will back out and escape.

 

[GUNKWAZY]

It locks up really tight "as is". Is the mystery screw something intended to take up wear? In order for everything to be "smooth" the screw needs to not be even past "fingernail" tight and I'm a little concerned the thing will back out and escape.

The screw you are referring to (the crane lock screw) holds the crane into the frame.
If you tighten it, you are actually putting pressure on the crane itself and would create a binding. This should not be snugged tight, as it won't allow the cylinder to swing out easily and will create problems.
By the way, did you remove the screw and find a couple other parts in there ?

Doctor "D" may have more insight to this problem.


Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

 

[Hawk]

No - I just backed it out to where the bind disappeared.

Actually, everything is hunky-dorey apart from my concern that the screw will back out and part company with the rest of the gun. So it's normal and I don't have to thread-lock it and shouldn't tighten it?

 

[Old Fuff]

The screw in question isn't a screw, but rather a cap. Inside the hollow cap is a coil spring and plunger. The plunger is cone-shaped and fits inside a similar cut in the crane. If things are right you should be able to tighten the cap, and not have the crane bind. Back the cap (aka "screw") all of the way out and remove it and the plunger and spring. Clean the inside of the cap with a Q-Tip, and be sure the spring isn't bent or deformed. Lightly oil and then replace the parts. The bind should go away.

 

[dfariswheel]

Fluff's right, the "Screw" is actually a hollow cap with a small coil spring and a cone-shaped hollow detent that holds the cylinder in place.

As above, remove the cap and the spring and detent plunger, then slide the entire cylinder and crane assembly forward and off the frame. (Rotate the cylinder so a flute lines up with the frame and allows the assembly to slide forward).

Inspect everything.
With used guns, even Python's, you'd be surprised what people will do for unknown reasons.
Check the spring and plunger to be sure both are original factory parts.

When assembled, the cap screw must be snugged down TIGHT.
If it's causing cylinder closing and latching problems, something is WRONG.
See a Colt-qualified gunsmith.

 

[Hawk]

Thanks, Fuff!

Smoothness is restored and the screw is mildly tightened - I doubt it'll be going anywhere now.

When I removed the cap, I found myself staring at the pointy end of a cone-headed part. I encouraged it out and it was followed by a spring, which had been in the crane recess.

Took what had been this:
crane - spring - cone-> - cap.

and made it this:
crane - <-cone - spring - cap.

Whoever was the previous custodian must've gotten a little confused. Chalk up another for the Fuff. I couldn't quite accept that Colt had intended it to behave as it was - the Earth is now back on its axis.

Edited to add: Thanks dfariswheel - I must've been typing while you were posting. As noted, it had been assembled in an order never intended by Colt. I'll snug it down tight.

 

[Old Fuff]

My bill will be in the mail as soon as I can find a postage stamp...

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Hey, Hawk: e-mail Old Fuff a check.

 

[Old Fuff]

WHAT!!! At least you should consider Pay-Pal.

 

[Hawk]

Perhaps I could name my grandson after you?

 

[Old Fuff]

Fuffy Hawk??????

 

[GUNKWAZY]

The screw in question isn't a screw,

Ooops, it's not a screw, I screwed up.
Sorry, it's just called a crane screw.

Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

 

[Hawk]

I like it: "Fuffy Hawk" - has a ring to it. Let's hope she doesn't get picked on too much in middle school.

I put 100 rounds through it today - it's best not to let it think it fell into some cushy display-only type of foster home. It's a common barrel length in brushed stainless so I presume it will not be missed by the collector market.

Anyhow, these things don't need any particular pampering do they? I read Grant Cunningham's post on the "delicate myth", so I just watch for when the lock-up gets a little loose?

I also noticed as far as rotational play and end-shake goes, there isn't any - it's like somebody welded the cylinder in place when it's in full lock-up but feels pretty normal with the trigger forward - moderate rotational play and a teensy bit of end shake. I'm probably not explaining it right but I gather "play" doesn't count if it only manifests when the trigger isn't full back.

I haven't heard the angels sing during double action fire yet but that may just be a matter of time. Even if I can't feel a "better" double action, I notice the holes in the target seem to have crept closer together which I guess is a better indicator of double-action goodness than my ability to feel it. It feels different than a 686 for sure.

...sure was nice being able to tighten all the screws.